Effective period / Period of releases: 1963 - 2006

Members: Bruce Johnston, Terry Melcher, Arnie Marcus, Phil Stewart (2), Rich Rotkin, Ernie Bringas, Mitch Schecter, Mark Van Holmes

The Rip Chords were an American singing duo originally called The Opposites, composed of Phil Stewart and Ernie Bringas. This original twosome (Phil and Ernie) eventually expanded into four primary voices, adding Columbia producer, Terry Melcher and co-producer, Bruce Johnston. The group came to be associated with the hot rod/surf genre of the day, although their first single release, "Here I Stand," did not reflect that style. They recorded at Columbia Records in Hollywood from 1962-1965. The group placed five singles on The Billboard Hot 100. They are best known for their #4 single, ″Hey Little Cobra,″ one of the highest ranking hot rod songs of all time.